tranexamic acid (Lysteda)

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

GENERIC NAME: tranexamic acid

BRAND NAME: Lysteda

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Tranexamic acid promotes the clotting of blood and
thereby reduces bleeding due to heavy menstruation. Tranexamic acid is a
man-made amino acid derivative that increases blood clotting by preventing the
breakdown of fibrin. Fibrin is a protein and an important component of blood
clots. It is broken down by another protein called plasmin. Tranexamic acid
blocks the action of plasmin on fibrin and thereby prevents the breakdown of
fibrin. This leads to stabilization and preservation of fibrin in blood
clots, and this helps reduce bleeding during a heavy menstrual cycle. The FDA
approved tranexamic acid in November 2009.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Tranexamic acid oral tablets are used for the treatment of
heavy menstrual cycles.

DOSING: In females 12 years of age and older, the recommended dose is two 650
mg tablets (1300 mg) by mouth three times a day for a maximum of 5 days during
the menstrual cycle. It may be administered without regard to meals. Tablets
should be swallowed whole and not chewed or broken.

Safe and effective use of tranexamic acid is not determined in premenarcheal
girls or girls under the age of 12.